Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the concerns among some farmers about the recent changes to the ICBF beef index, particularly farmers participating in the SCEP. I have been closely monitoring the impact of the changes on SCEP farmers. I remain confident that the amended indices will improve beef farm profitability and also beef farm sustainability, which is the overarching intention of the SCEP. The background to this among farmers is that the ICBF, which is the body approved in Ireland in accordance with relevant EU legislation to conduct testing as well as genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle, has recently updated beef breeding indices.

This was the first major update since 2015, based mainly on changing economic drivers such as feed costs and beef prices. A modest adjustment also took place based on earlier slaughter of animals, tuberculosis resistance, carcass specifications and lower methane output. 

Prior to the updates, continental breeds such as Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue were the most desirable terminal cattle breeds, and they continue to be the most desirable breeds after the changes. With regard to the replacement index, the top three most desirable replacement breeds were Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Simmental and they remain as the top three after the changes.

The ICBF recently committed to convening an industry stakeholder forum to address issues and concerns raised by suckler farmers and pedigree breeders. I welcome that it is taking on this engagement.

As regards the SCEP specifically, this scheme aims to provide support to suckler farmers to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. I understand from ICBF that 84% of animals that were 4-star or 5-star prior to the changes will retain their 4-star or 5-star status after the changes.  Animals in SCEP herds whose index falls will not be impacted by the changes unless the SCEP participant sells an animal that has gone down in rating.  It is only when this animal moves out of this herd, that its 3-star rating will become applicable and it will no longer meet the 4-star and 5-star eligibility criteria.

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